Rockies-Nationals Series Grades: LeMahieu and the bullpen bring the wins

The Colorado Rockies managed to take three games of a four-game series against the Washington Nationals despite getting three lackluster starting pitching performances and very little from the offense overall.

DJ LeMahieu and the bullpen pretty much paved the way, though Charlie Blackmon’s return was clearly huge and needed.

Here are our individual player grades:

DJ LeMahieu (A): With Nolan Arenado serving a suspension and Charlie Blackmon on the shelf for a few games, the responsibility fell to LeMahieu to power the Rockies offense and he did so, launching three home runs in the series and a pair of doubles, knocking in five runs and scoring five himself. He unquestionably led the Rockies through this crazy series.

Charlie Blackmon: (B+): The Bearded One played in just two games of the four-game set but he cracked a pair of vital home runs, drove in five, and scored three runs.

Ian Desmond (C-): Desmond only collected two base hits in the series but one was a home run that swung the series in the Rockies favor. He also picked up a ton of slack by stepping in and playing a very capable centerfield and first base helping Colorado cling to their wins.

Carlos Gonzalez (C-): CarGo hit a home run and drove in three runs, including two in a 2-1 victory. Other than being the deciding factor in that game he was mostly silenced, though.

Gerardo Parra (C-): The Rockies left fielder notched four base hits and scored three runs in addition to playing his usual solid defense.

Chris Iannetta (D-): Iannetta tallied just one single but walked twice and scored a run.

Ryan McMahon (D-): RyMac went 1-for-10 with four strikeouts. But on the plus side, he finally got his first hit of the season and is looking much more comfortable at the plate.

Trevor Story (F): After getting hot at Coors Field, the Rockies shortstop had another series to forget in Washington, going 1-for-15 with 10 strikeouts.

Chad Bettis (A-): He pitched seven innings and gave up just three hits, one run, on two walks and five strikeouts. He has been both Colorado’s best, and most consistent, pitcher so far this season.

Kyle Freeland (C): Freeland couldn’t quite finish off the fifth inning in his start (though, he might have and just made way for a phenomenal bullpen) but he kept the Rockies in the game against an incredibly talented lineup, allowing one run on four hits. Knowing the quality of the arms behind him, Freeland was careful with the Nationals big bats and that proved to be a winning strategy.

Tyler Anderson (C-): Just like Freeland, Anderson only lasted 4.2 innings but kept Colorado in the game. His six walks were more than a bit concerning but he managed to dance his way out of trouble by just allowing one run on two hits. Again, he was picked up by the bullpen.

Jon Gray (D+): The Gray Wolf looked strong through his first several innings but fell apart in his final frame once again, getting knocked around for five runs on eight hits. He struck out six and only walked one but these ill-timed implosions have become an issue for him in 2018.

Wade Davis (A-): Davis allowed just one baserunner (a walk) in collecting two more saves in the series.

Jake McGee (B+): It was another quietly effective set for McGee who, like Davis, allowed just one baserunner on a walk in 2.1 innings of work. He struck out two.

Scott Oberg (B): Our third straight bullpen pitcher who was clean other than a solo walk.

Adam Ottavino (B): Otto showed he might be human by surrendering his first run of the season. It came on a wild pitch. He struck out four and didn’t walk anyone in his 1.1 innings of work.

Chris Rusin (B-): He doesn’t look quite back to his fully effective self, but Rusin looked better in his two innings of work. He gave up two hits and two walks but no runs.

Bryan Shaw (C+): Shaw picked up 2.2 innings in the series and gave up three hits, including a homer, but that was the only run he allowed, striking out four and walking two.